Swing-in window sash



Filed Sept. 5, 1967 Fleas INVENTOR EDWIN E. FOSTER BY Qua, W.

ATTORNEY SWING-IN WINDOW SASH Filed Sept. 5, 1967 2 of 4 Sheet .-l-.. [3,? I. I N V E NTO R EDWIN E. FOSTER /.7 f FIG. 4 2/ BY LR KM ATTORNEY June 3, 1969 E. E. FOSTER SWING-IN WINDOW SASH Filed Sept. 5, 1967 FIG. H

INVENTOR EDWIN E. FOSTER 2N, (KW

ATTORNEY June 3, 1969 E. E. FOSTER SWING-IN WINDOW SASH Filed Sept. 5, 1967 INVENTOR EDWIN E. FOSTER @ww- K ATTORNEY 3,447,264 SWING-IN WINDOW SASH Edwin E. Foster, 1801 Camp Craft Road, Austin, Tex. 78746 Filed Sept. 5, 1967, Ser. No. 665,590 Int. Cl. Ed 15/22 US. Cl. 49150 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A window sash primarily for aluminum windows being adapted for inward and upward swinging along an axis parallel to its upper margin, said sash being counterbalanced by any of a marked variety of spring devices; there being latch means for maintaining said sash in operative, slidea-ble disposition with detents for preventing premature swinging of the sash subsequent to unlatching action.

Background of the invention Heretofore in the aluminum window industry, there has been a marked desire for achieving some means whereby a sash could be easily swung without disengagement from the frame so as to permit convenient access to the exterior surfaces from an interior station. Fruitful efforts have not been consummated for effecting a swinging of the normally slideable window sash; the industry apparently acquiescing in the conventional construction wherein the upper sash is fixed (for rendering rigidity to the window structure) and with the lower sash being movable reciprocally vertically between open and closed condition. This state has been accepted by the industry, albeit quite reluctantly, since the cleaning of windows, particularly in tall oifice buildings, has been one of marked hardship necessitating exterior approaches or a time consuming and diflicult dismantling of the window. Accordingly, the present invention solves the problem which has long faced the industry and thus renders accessible the window exterior from the confines of the building interior in a simply effected manner.

Summary of the invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a window sash, particularly for aluminum windows, which is adaptable for slidable movement within a window frame for opening and closing operation and which is further adapted for upward and inward movement swinging about its upper end so as to allow for ready access to its exterior surface from a point within the wall containing the window.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a window sash of the type stated which is adapted to be counter-balanced by substantially any type of spring device so that the sash is readily usable with current window constructions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a window sash of the character stated which is designed for ready attachment to an existing counterbalance obviating the incurrence of costly expenditures for modifications and the like.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a window sash of the character stated having positive means for preventing premature inward swinging movement.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a window sash adapted for swinging-in from the plane of the window which may be most economically manufactured; which may be safely and easily operated by the average individual; which permits of full access to the exterior surface thereof while allowing the operator to remain within the room area secure against haz- United States Patent 0 ards normally encountered by approaching the window from the exterior; which is extremely versatile for ready usage with current, available counter-balances; and which is durable and reliable in usage,

Brief description of the drawings FIGURE 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a window having a swing-in window sash constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention with the phantom lines illustrating the sash in inwardly swung condition.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partially in section. illustrating the upper corner portion of the sash of the present invention when in full upward position.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary front view of a lower corner portion of the sash, illustrating the latch in locked condition.

FIGURE 4 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a horizontal view taken on the line 55 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the counter-balance shown in FIGURE 2 as disposed in the retainer therefor.

FIGURE 7 is an exploded view of the bearing and bracket therefor.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partially in section, and partially broken away, of another form of window sash constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a lower corner portion of the sash illustrated in FIG- URE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 1070 of the FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is an exploded view of the 'bearing for the sash shown in FIGURE 8, and of the bracket therefor.

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partially in section, and partially broken away, of a further form of sash constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIGURE 13 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 1313 of FIGURE 12.

FIGURE 14 is an exploded view of the bearing bracket of the sash illustrated in FIGURE 12 and the bracket therefor.

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line 13-13 of FIGURE 12 but illustrating the sash in inwardly swung condition.

Description of the preferred embodiments Referring now by refernce characters to the drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. A generally designates a window preferably constructed of aluminum and comprising a window frame having side jambs 1, a header 2, and a sill (not shown) which frame components are customarily formed by extrusions; there being mounted in the upper portion of said frame a stationary sash 3 (FIGURE 1) and with a lower vertically slidable sash 4 being provided. The provision of upper sash 3 is for purposes of illustration, as the invention resides in the swingable character of sash 4 which is independent of upper sash 3.

Each side jam 1 integrally incorporates a slideway indicated at 5 being of channel shape and having rearward and forward flanges 6, 7, respectively, and an intervening Web 8 whereby the said slideway opens toward the confronting side of sash 4. Said flange 7 is of less transverse extension than rearward flange 6 for reasons presently appearing.

Window sash 4 comprises vertically presented sidecomponents 9 and upper and lower tnansverse members 10, 11, respectively, which elements coact in a conventional manner for supporting, as by means of a resilient member 12, a glass or other transparent pane 13. Each side component 9 is of laterally outwardly directed channel form in cross section having front and back flanges 14, 15, respectively, and a web 16 therebetween; said channel thus opening toward slideway but being relatively reduced transversely so that front and back flanges 14, will be spaced inwardly of front and rearward flanges 7, 6 respectively of the proximate jamb 1. Suitably carried on back flange 15, as by means of an integrally formed bracket 17, is a section of flexible weatherstripping 18 for abutment on its rearwardly directed surface against the confronting portion of rearward flange 6 of the related jamb 1 to thereby bridge the spacing between flanges 15 and 6.

In their lower end portions, spaced slightly upwardly from their bottom margins; each side component 9 carries on its forward face a latch arm 19 which is eccentrioally pivotally mounted thereon by means of a pin or the like 20 for rendering said arm 19 swingable thereabout within a plane parallel to the front face of the related side component 9. Each latch arm 19 on its normally jamb-adjacent end, which is shorter than its opposite end portion, is reduced in thickness so as to present an arcuate shoulder 21 and an extension 22 projecting from its inner portion. As may best be seen in FIGURE 4, shoulder 21 will be in confronting disposition to the inner margin of flange 7 and with the arcuate character of the former permitting of noncontact with the latter during swinging of latch 19. Extension 22 is designed for reception within the space between flanges 14 and 7 for abutment on its forwarded directed face against the rear face of flange 7. Extension 22 when abutting against flange 7 will cause the development of a rearward pressure for biasing Weatherstripping 18 into snug contact with flange 6.

With extension 22 engaged between flanges 14 and 7 (FIGURES 3 and 4), with the associated latch arm 19 being thus disposed horizontally, a locking action is developed between window sash 4 and frame 1 so as to prevent upward swinging or accidental displacement of sash 4 from said frame. With latch 19 so presented, sash 4 is adapted for customary vertical slidable movement within slideway 5 between window-open and windowclosed condition; there being no inhibition against such travel by the disposition of extension 22. The inner or jamb-remote end portion of latch 19 is tapered, as at 23 so as to provide convenient surfaces for facile manipulation of latch 19 for rocking same into, or from, sashlatched condition. To disengage extension 22 from locked condition, latch arm 19 may be swung clockor counterclockwise through an angle of 90 to thereby remove extension 22 from disposition within slideway 5. The lower end portion of sash 4 is then freed for swinging action in a manner to be described more fully hereinbelow.

Secured to each web 16 adjacent its upper end and upon its laterally outwardly directed face is the lower end of a mounting bracket 24 having at its upper end an offset arm 25 which projects upwardly beyond the upper tnansverse edge of sash 4 (FIGURES 2 and 7). Said arm 25 is of generally channel-like character opening toward slideway 5 and having a pair of parallel flanges 26, 26' which are of relatively reduced height with respect to the intervening web 27. Flanges 26, 26' are received within complementary openings 28, 28' formed in a bearing plate 29 whereby said plate 29 is carried upon bracket 24. Plate 29 is of general annular contour being rounded at its lateral and lower portions but with its upper surface, as at 30, being flattened; there being an upwardly opening recess 31 extending downwardly from the upper flattened surface 30 to a point proximate the center of said plate 29. The lower or bottom portion of recess 31 is rounded as at 32 while the vertical walls thereof, as at 33, are planarwise parallel. Recess 31 is dimensioned for journaling in the lower rounded portion 32 of a pivot pin 34 fixed in web 8 of side jamb 1 and projecting inwardly toward sash 4. As may best be seen in FIGURE 2, mounting bracket 24 together with offset arm 25 are so designed to cause plate 29 to be presented within slideway 5, between flanges 6 and 7. It is to be observed that the vertical height of recess 31 is greater than the diameter of pivot pin 34 so that when the latter is disposed within rounded portion 32, the same will be located spacedly from the flattened normal upper portions 30 of plate 29 (FIGURE 2). Struck from web 27 of offset arm 25 for extension inwardly is a downwardly directed tongue 35 for extension through an aperture 36 formed adjacent the outer or lower end of a self-coiling spring 37 fabricated of suitable ribbon stock and which may be of the character set forth in U.S. Letters Patent 2,609,191. The coil of each spring 37, which thus serves to counter-balance sash 4, is received within a suitable retainer 38 of parti-cylindrical character so as to present an upwardly opening receptacle. Each retainer is mounted as by a transverse pin 39 within an opening 40 formed in a horizontal flange 41 of header 2; said opening 40 being of adequate extent so as to allow uninhibited movement of said spring 37 during winding and unwinding operation responsive to movement of sash 4.

Thus, with sash -4 in downward or closed position, as indicated in phantom lines in FIGURE 1, counter-balancing spring 37 will be fully extended and when said sash 4 is in fully raised or window-open condition, spring 37 will be in substantially fully coiled condition as may best be seen in FIGURE 2.

Each Weatherstripping bracket 17 at its lower end terminates in spaced relationship to the lower end of sash 4, as at a point slightly above pin 20. Below the lower end of bracket 17, flange 15 is provided with a recess 42 extending inwardly from its free margin and being of such height as to allow relative movement therethrough of a detent pin 43 fixedly secured in web 8 of the proximate side jamb 1 and extending normally into the channel defined by flanges 15, 14 for reasons to be described below.

When it is desired to swing sash 4 inwardly, into the position shown in phantom lines in FIGURE 1, the same is slid upwardly into full-up or window-open condition (FIGURE 2) with latch arm 19 being in locked condition so that extension 22 and plate 29 are within slideway 5 and spring 37 is in coiled or rewound position. Thereupon, latch arms 19 are pivoted to effect withdrawal of the respective extensions 22 from the slideways 5 thereby freeing the lower portion of sash 4 for inward and upward swinging. It will be seen that with sash 4 in upward position pivot pin 34 will be received in rounded portion 32 of recess 31 so that as sash 4 is swung, bearing 29 (FIGURE 3) will rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the inside of frame 1 about said pin 34. It will be observed that the contour of plate 29 permits unimpeded rotatable movement within slideway 5 and by the relative depth of recess 31, accidental disengagement from pin 34 is prevented regardless of the angular extent of movement of plate 29. Thus, the pivot pins 34 on the opposite side jambs creates a transverse pivot axis which is located slightly above the upper edge of sash 4 and extends transversely between said jambs 1. In view of the fact that the pivotal or swinging movement of sash 4 is effected when the latter is in full-up position, detent pin 43 will move relatively through opening 42 so that no obstacle will be presented to swinging movement.

The particular relationship of detent pin 43 to opening 42 is to be best seen if sash 4 is in closed position. Then alignment between the same will not be effected so that any swinging movement attempted will be successfully blocked by abutment of the inner face of flange 15 or the associated bracket 17 against detent pin 43. Thus, by the novel arrangement of pin 43 and opening 42, operation of sash 4 is assured at only the appropriate juncture with resultant protection of spring 37.

With sash 4 in upwardly swung condition the exterior face of pane 13 is thus accessible to the user for cleaning, examination, or repair purposes; with the user thus remaining securely within the interior of the building.

To return sash 4 to dis-position within slideway 5, the same is swung returnedly downwardly about the axis created by pins 34 and with sash 4 being retained in upward position. When in vertical dispostion, having cleared detent 43, latch arms 19 are swung into horizontal disposition so as to place extensions 22 in locked condition. Thereupon, sash 4 is ready for vertical operative movement.

With reference now being made to FIGURES 8, 9, and 11, A designates a window incorporating like construction as window A above described and having a window sash 4' for vertical slideable movement embodying side sections 9, upper and lower transverse members 10, 11, respectively; there being a latch arm 19' pivotally mounted as by a pin 20 and having an extension 22'; all of said elements being structurally identical with, and mutually related as, the corresponding elements of window A above described. Secured to the upper end portion of each side component 9' is a mounting bracket 44 being of general channel shape in cross-section, having side flanges 45, 45' which extend upwardly, above the upper edge of sash 4 and above a relatively short lower web portion 46. Each of said flanges 45, 45 integrally include, adjacent their upper ends and projecting laterally outwardly or toward the adjacent jamb, arms 47, 47' which project into complementary openings 48, 48 of a bearing 49 which in all respects is structurally similar to hearing 29 hereinabove described, which bearing thus travels with sash 4 by reason of securement upon bracket 44.

As it may best be seen in FIGURE 8, sash 4' is counterbalanced by a conventional spiral balance indicated generally at B provided on both sides of window sash 4' and each of which incorporates an encasing tubular member 50 which is received within the channel of side components 9 as said sash 4 is moved relatively thereto. Said tubular member 50 is of such diameter as to be receivable between flanges 45, 45' of bearing bracket 44 when sash 4' is in fully raised position (FIGURE 8). Extending through aligned openings proximate the upper end of tubular member 50 is a pin 51 which at its outer end is threadedly engaged within the web of the adjacent side jamb 1 and being of suitable diameter for journaling within the lower rounded portion of the recess of the related bearing 49. Within tubular member 50 there is provided a spirally coiled extension spring 52, the coils of which at its upper end are relatively close together for tight fitting on to a metal sleeve 53 which is supported from pin 51. At its lower end, spring 52 is secured to a nut 54 which is threadedly engaged within the lower inwardly turned end of tubular member 50. Provided interiorly of coil spring 52 is a spiral member 55 which extends downwardly through nut 54 through an eyelet 56 for securement to a bracket 57 fixed to the lower end of the related side portion of sash 4', Spiral member 55 forms a graduated spiral to compensate for the buildup of the spring force and to provide a true counter-weight balancing; said spiral member 55 being non-resilient and appropriately secured at its upper end. It is, however, to be recognized that counter-balance B does not form a part of the present invention except to the extent requisite to demonstrate that window sashes equipped with counter-balances of this character may, by virtue of the present invention, be adapted for swinging movement.

It will thus be seen that in order to swing sash 4', the same is moved into upward position where pin 51 is suitably journaled within bearing 49; latch arm 19' is then swung through an arc of 90 to remove extension 22' from locked condition. Thereupon, the user may readily swing sash 4 upwardly from its lower end into the same position as indicated in FIGURE 1. Upon return of sash 4 to vertical disposition, latch arm 19' is then reversely swung so as to place extension 22' in locked condition and thereby reliably secure sash 4' in operative position.

As may best be seen in FIGURES 9 and 10, an annular detent 58 is provided on the front face of side jamb front flange 7 as by means of a screw 59 for extension beyond the free margin of said frame 7 for presentation in confronting relationship to the adjacent portion of side component 9 of sash 4 (see FIGURE 10). Said detent 58 is located upon side jamb 1 so that with latch arm 19 in unlatched condition obstructing relationship will be developed with sash 4' upon forward swinging of the same unless said sash has been elevated to the appropriate position for clearing said detent. Thus, detent 58 serves to prevent swinging action of sash 4 unless the same has been suitably elevated with the related bearing plate 49 operationally related to its pin 51.

Referring now to FIGURES 12, 13 and 14, C designates a window incorporating like construction as window A above described, having a window sash 104 for vertical slideable movement embodying section 109, upper and lower transverse members 110, 111, respectively; and having a latch arm 119 pivotally mounted as by a pin 120 and having an extension 122; all of said elements being of like construction and mutually related as the corresponding components of window A above described. Said window C is provided with an annular detent 158 which is mounted upon the front flange of the adjacent side jamb by means of a screw 159, the same being identical with the corresponding elements of window A above described. Secured to the upper end portion for each side-component 109 is a mounting bracket being of general channel-shape in cross-section throughout its extension, having side flanges 151, 151' which, in the upper portions, will extend above the upper edge of sash 104; there being an intervening web 152 abutting against the web of the channel of the related side section 109. Each of said flanges 151, 151' integrally include, adjacent their upper ends, arms 153, 153 which project laterally outwardly toward the adjacent jamb for extension into complementary openings 154, 154 respectively, for engagement therein of a bearing 155 which is in all respects structurally similar to bearing 29 hereinabove described with respect to window A and adapted for cooperation with a pivot pin 134 which corresponds to pivot pin 34 above described; said bearing 155 thus travels with sash 104 by reason of securement upon bracket 150.

As shown in FIGURES 12 and 13, sash 104 is counterbalanced by a spring and pulley arrangement generally designated A; the same being a currently utilized and wellknown counter-balance for aluminum windows. The said counter-balance D incorporates an extension spring 156 which is secured at its lower end upon a pin 157 fixed in the web of the related side section 109 immediately proximate its lower end, downwardly of latch arm 119. The upper end of spring 156 is engaged to a bracket formed of identical stampings 158, 158' which mount a pair of pulleys or sheaves 159 each having a peripheral groove 160, 160 respectively, for training thereabout of a cord or rope 161, a portion of which is engaged about upper, companion pulleys 162, 162' suitably mounted upon a pin 163 fixed in the web of the proximate side section 109. The free end of said cord 161 extends upwardly through the channel of bracket 150, being directed about a short post p, for fixed securement at its end extremity to a bracket 164 secured to the underface of the window header indicated at 102.

Bearings 155 and latch arms 119 operate in the same manner with respect to sash 104 as do latch arms 19 and bearings 29 with respect to sash 4 of window A hereinabove described, for the purposes of permitting said sash 104 to be swung for presenting the normal exterior face thereof conveniently to an individual located within the room. Thus, the structure shown in the FIGURES 12, 13 and 14 serve to demonstrate the extreme versatility of the present invention, as being equally useful with all current types of counter-balances.

As described hereinabove, bearing plates 29, 49 and 155 provide a unique means for producing the swingable action of the window sashes about the transverse axis created by cooperating pins. Latch arms 19, 19' and 119 positively maintain the related sashes in fully operative slideable movement and are easily manipulated for movement into, of from, latched condition. Furthermore, the unique cooperation between recess 42 and detent pins 43 effectively prevent premature swinging of the sash. It is quite evident that the present invention may be incorporated in existing window constructions without necessitating costly modification.

It should be understood that changes and modifications in the formation, construction, and arrangement and combination of the several parts of the swing-in window sash may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent is:

1. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement comprising a sash presented for vertical reciprocal slideable movement within said slideways, resilient counter-balancing means for said sash, a pivot pin provided in each side jamb and extending into the proximate slideway, a bearing member carried on said window sash and projecting into the proximate slideway 'for movement therein consequent to travel of said sash, means for operatively engaging said bearing member and the related pivot pin for establishing the latter as a pivot axis for swingable movement thereabout of said sash, and latch means provided on said window sash remote from the corresponding bearing member for maintaining said sash in slideable relationship to the jamb slideways.

2. 'For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by mounting members provided on the upper related portions of said sash, said bearing members carried on said mounting members for disposition within the slideways of the proximate jamb, and said latch means being located in the lower portions of said sash.

3. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said bearing members being of general annular contour for swingable movement within the related jamb slideway about the respective pivot pin.

4. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said mounting brackets having portions projecting upwardly over the upper margin of the window sash, said bearing members being mounted upon said upwardly projecting portions whereby the pivot axis for the sash will be located upwardly of the upper margin of the respective sash.

5. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said bearing member being flat, substantially annularly contoured and said means for operatively engaging said bearing member and the related pivot pin comprising said bearing member having an upwardly opening recess extending from its upper margin for receiving the related pivot pin establishing bearing relationship therewith.

6. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by detent means for preventing accidental swinging of said window sash consequent to release of said latch means.

7. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined in claim 6 and further characterized by said detent means comprising a detent member carried on the window jamb and projecting into the normal path of swing of the sash for establishing an obstructive relationship therewith; said detent being located at a predetermined point on said jamb so that upon disposition of said sash in preselected relationship to said jamb, said detent will be avoided upon swinging.

8. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined inclaim 6 and further characterized by said detent comprising a pin extending toward the side portions of said sash, said sash having a recess for movement relatively therethrough of said pin upon swinging of said sash.

9. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined in claim 6 and further characterized by said detent means comprising an annular detent fixed on the forward face of said jambs and projecting into the path of the swing of said window sash, said detent being located a predetermined distance from the lower end of said jamb so as to require disposition of said sash upwardly of said detent to effect swinging movement.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 333,438 12/1885 Arnold 49--150 1,272,039 7/1918 Hausmann 49l50 1,766,392 6/1930 Massey 49150 2,064,459 12/1936 Bumann 49-l88 REINALDO P. MACHADO, Primary Examiner.

J. K. BELL, Assistant Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 49-188 

